"I don’t care what you believe," I interrupted. My gaze went sharp as I scanned the faces of the council. "Being mated to Killian does not make me weak. I am my father’s daughter. And I am more than capable of leading this pack, with or without your approval."
There was a murmur of discontent among the elders, but I didn’t back down. They needed to hear me, to understand that I wasn’t some fragile girl they could manipulate. I had seen what they were trying to do, and I wouldn’t let them strip away what was mine.
But Ares, of course, had other plans.
"It’s not just about you, Tabitha," he said. His voice dripped with false concern as he stepped forward. "The pack needs stability. Strength. And with an omega by your side, the pack will always question your authority."
I clenched my fists at my sides, resisting the urge to snap at him. "This isn’t about Killian, Ares. This is about you. You’ve been undermining me since the day I was named my father’s successor. You want the pack for yourself."
Ares’ eyes gleamed, but his expression remained cool. "I only want what’s best for Crescent Moon. And let’s face it, the pack doesn’t trust you to lead. They never did."